Combination of limited nutrients and enhanced dietary antioxidants to impart improved kidney health

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to compositions for animal consumption (including foods, treats, etc.), particularly compositions that tend to improve kidney function, and particularly compositions that comprise enhanced antioxidants and reduced quantities of protein and/or phosphorus. This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed generally to food compositions for animalconsumption, particularly compositions useful to improve kidneyfunction, as seen by reduced serum urea nitrogen and/or increasedglomerular filtration rate. This invention also is directed generally tomethods for using such compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has been postulated since 1956 that the production of active oxygenspecies, or free radicals, pursuant to aerobic respiration, results inoxidative damage, which hastens aging and death in animals. See Beckman,K., et al., “The Free Radical Theory of Aging Matures,” Phys. Rev., 78:547-581 (1998). Active oxygen species cause aging through variousmechanisms, including directly damaging cellular DNA, see Cutler, R.,“Antioxidants and aging”, Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 53: 373S-379S (1991), aswell as lipids and proteins as well. See, Tylicki, L., et al.“Antioxidants: A Possible Role in Kidney Protection,” Kid. Bl. Press.Res., 26: 303-314 (2003). Free radicals, often produced in themitochondria, where aerobic respiration occurs, damage mitochondrialDNA, proteins, and lipids. See, e.g., U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US2003/0060503.

It has also been postulated that active oxygen species may play a rolein causing kidney disease. See, Ongajooth L., et al. “Role of LipidPeroxidation, Trace Elements and Antioxidant Enzymes in Chronic RenalDisease Patients,” J. Med. Assc. Thai., 72:791-800 (1996). Severalmechanisms have been proposed to account for this increase in renalfailure (see, e.g., Hasselwander, et al. “Oxidative Stress in ChronicRenal Failure,” Free Rad. Res. 29:1-11 (1998); Shah, S., “The Role ofReactive Oxygen Metabolites in Glomerular Disease,” Annu. Rev. Physiol.,57:245-62 (1995)), but scientific studies to date are inconclusiveregarding whether antioxidant treatment is beneficial to those withkidney disease. Some studies indicate that there is a role for variousantioxidant supplementation in the protection against kidney disease.See, e.g., Kedziora-Komatowska, “Effect of Vitamin E and Vitamin CSupplementation on Antioxidative State and Renal Glomerular BasementMembrane Thickness in Diabetic Kidney”, Nephron Exp. Nephrol.,95:e134-e143 (2003). Other studies note the potential pro-oxidantproperties of antioxidant supplements, concluding that there is not yetenough experimental evidence to recommend antioxidant supplements toalleviate kidney disease. See, e.g., Tylicki, L., et al.

In addition to the improvement of kidney function caused bysupplementation of an animal's diet with antioxidants, kidney functionmay also benefit from the avoidance of mineral excess. Byproducts ofprotein digestion and phosphorus are among the primary toxins that mustbe removed from the blood stream by the kidneys. Thus, by decreasingprotein and/or phosphorus consumption in an animal's diet, less stressis placed upon kidney function, improving kidney health. In short,lowering the dietary intake of protein and/or phosphorus is beneficialto improving kidney function and/or lessening the progression of renaldisease. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,442.

Despite years of studies and developments relating to renal function andkidney disease, there continues to be a need for compositions andmethods that aid in improving kidney function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to compositions for animal consumption,particularly compositions that tend to improve kidney function. It iscontemplated that such compositions may be suitable for use with avariety of mammalian and non-mammalian animals.

Briefly, therefore, this invention is directed, in part, to acomposition for animal consumption, such as, for example, a food ortreat. The composition comprises both antioxidants and a reduced amountof protein and/or phosphorus, as compared to the maximum typicallyrecommended for a healthy animal of the same species or breed.

In one contemplated embodiment, the composition comprises about 25 toabout 2,000 mg/kg vitamin C (based on dry weight of the composition).

In one contemplated embodiment, the composition comprises about 300 toabout 2,000 IU/kg vitamin E (based on dry weight of the composition).

In one contemplated embodiment, the composition comprises less thanabout 23% protein (based on dry weight of the composition).

In one contemplated embodiment, the composition comprises less thanabout 0.75% phosphorus (based on dry weight of the composition).

In another contemplated embodiment, the composition is intended forconsumption by a dog.

This invention also is directed to an animal treat that comprises bothantioxidants and a reduced amount of protein and/or phosphorus, ascompared to the maximum typically recommended for a healthy animal ofthe same species or breed.

This invention also is directed to methods for using such compositionsto aid in improving the kidney function.

Further benefits of Applicant's invention will be apparent to oneskilled in the art from reading this patent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This detailed description is intended only to acquaint others skilled inthe art with Applicant's invention, its principles, and its practicalapplication so that others skilled in the art may adapt and apply theinvention in its numerous forms, as they may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. This detailed description and itsspecific examples, while indicating various embodiments of thisinvention, are intended for purposes of illustration only. Thisinvention, therefore, is not limited to the embodiments described inthis specification, and may be variously modified.

It has been found, in accordance with this invention, that the reductionof certain nutrients in an animal's diet, in conjunction with thesupplementation to that diet of certain antioxidants, can be useful toimprove kidney function. Without being bound to any particular theory,Applicant believes that this benefit may be the result of, for example,decreased toxins in the blood stream, due to the reduction of nutrients,and decreased presence of oxygen species in the blood stream, due to theintroduction into the bloodstream of antioxidants.

It is contemplated that the compositions and methods of this inventionmay be useful for a variety of mammals, including non-human mammals suchas non-human primates (e.g., monkeys, chimpanzees, etc.), companionanimals (e.g., dogs, cats, equine, etc.), farm animals (e.g., goats,sheep, swine, bovine, etc.), laboratory animals (e.g., mice, rats,etc.), and wild and zoo animals (e.g., wolves, bears, deer, etc.).

In some embodiments of this invention, for example, the animal is amonogastric mammal (i.e., a mammal having a single stomach), such as,for example, a non-human primate, dog, cat, rabbit, horse, or swine.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a carnivorousmammal, i.e., a meat-eating mammal.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is an omnivorousmammal, i.e., a mammal that eats both plants and meat.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a companionanimal.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a cat.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a dog.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a rabbit.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a swine.

In other embodiments of this invention, the animal is a horse.

It also is contemplated that the compositions and methods of thisinvention may be useful for a variety of non-mammalian animals. In someembodiments of this invention, for example, the composition is intendedfor consumption by a bird. Contemplated birds include, for example,companion, farm, zoo, and wild birds (e.g., including, for example, songbirds, parrots, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, ostriches, etc.).

Enhanced or improved kidney function refers to the relative increase inthe kidney's ability to remove waste or toxins from the animal's bloodstream as compared to an earlier point in time. Generally, as animalsage, there is a decrease in the total glomerular filtration, caused by adeclining ability of the kidneys to adequately filter urine. It isbelieved that this decrease in kidney function is caused by a decreasein nephron number and function.

Any of several blood indices may be used to determine the severity of ananimal's renal disease. Among these indices is serum urea nitrogen(SUN). SUN levels in the blood of an animal increase when the animalsuffers from renal failure because damage to the kidney lessens thekidney's ability to adequately filter urea, a waste product. Kidneyfunction can also be measured via the monitoring of glomerularfiltration rate (GFR). The greater an animal's GFR, the better thekidneys are at removing waste and, therefore, functioning. GFR can bemeasured in a number of ways, including the use of an iohexol clearancetest. Per this test, the intended animal first fasts for twelve or morehours. Then, iohexol, a radiographic contrast agent, is injected intothe blood via an intravenous catheter. At 2, 3, and 4 hours afteradministration of iohexol, a minimum of 4 ml of blood (at least 1.2 mlserum) is obtained and tested. The rate at which iohexol in the bloodstream is decreasing indicates the level at which the kidney isfunctioning. The overall functioning of the animal's kidneys can bemeasured via a comparison of that animal's GFR at one point in timeversus the animal's GFR at a later point in time.

An “antioxidant” herein is a substance that is capable of reacting withfree radicals and neutralizing them. Illustrative examples of suchsubstances include β-carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q₁₀ (ubiquinone),luetin, tocotrienols, soy isoflavones, S-adenosylmethionine,glutathione, taurine, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin E, vitamin C, α-lipoicacid and L-carnitine. Examples of foods containing useful levels of oneor more antioxidants include but are not limited to ginkgo biloba, greentea, broccoli, citrus pulp, grape pomace, tomato pomace, carrot spinach,and a wide variety of fruit meals and vegetable meals.

Except where the context demands otherwise, the term “vitamin E” is usedgenerically herein to encompass any tocopherol or tocotriene compound,including any enantiomer or racemate thereof, and any mixture of suchcompounds, having vitamin E activity, including α-tocopherol((+)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12 trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol),β-tocopherol((+)-2,5,8-trimethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol),γ-tocopherol((+)-2,7,8-trimethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol),δ-tocopherol ((+)-8-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-6-chromanol),α-tocotrienol(2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyl-3,7,11-tridecatrienyl)-6-chromanol)and β-tocotrienol(2,5,8-trimethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyl-3,7,11-tridecatrienyl)-6-chromanol).Vitamin E can be administered as any one or a mixture of the abovecompounds or in the form of various derivatives thereof such as esters,including vitamin E acetate, succinate, palmitate and the like, thatexhibit vitamin E activity after ingestion by the dog. Typically vitaminE as used in the present method comprises α-tocopherol or an esterthereof.

Vitamin C can be administered as ascorbic acid, for example L-ascorbicacid, or as various derivatives thereof such as calcium phosphate salt,cholesteryl salt, and ascorbate-2-monophosphate. Salts of vitamin Cinclude, for example, sodium salt, calcium salt, zinc salt and ferroussalt. Esters include, for example, stearate, palmitate and likederivatives. Vitamin C or a derivative thereof can be in any physicalform, for example, a liquid, a semisolid, a solid, or a heat stable formthat exhibits vitamin C activity after ingestion by the dog.

One or more antioxidants are present in the compositions of thisinvention in an amount that causes the kidney function of the intendedanimal to improve. Any antioxidant that can provide such enhanced kidneyfunction can be used. For example, compositions of this invention maycontain vitamin C and/or vitamin E. In general, the concentration ofvitamin C, if present in the compositions of this invention, is at leastabout 25 mg/kg (or from about 25 to about 2,000 mg/kg, or about 40 toabout 1500 mg/kg, or about 50 to about 1000 mg/kg, or about 75 to about500 mg/kg, or about 100 to about 200 mg/kg) based on the dry weight ofthe composition. In general, the concentration of vitamin E, if presentin the composition of this invention, is at least about 300 IU/kg (orfrom about 400 to about 1700 IU/kg, or about 500 to about 1400 IU/kg, orabout 600 to about 1100 IU/kg, or about 700-800 IU/kg) based on the dryweight of the composition. The weight ratio of vitamin C to vitamin E(as DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate equivalents) is about 0.2:1 to about7:1.

To reduce the stress on the kidney of an animal with reduced kidneyfunction, the compositions of this invention also contain a reducedamount of protein and/or phosphorus, as compared to the maximumtypically recommended for a healthy animal of the same species or breed.For example, it has been recommended that the maximum be 23% of atypical dog's diet comprise protein. See, e.g., Small Animal ClinicalNutrition, 4th ed., p. 223 (2000). In general, the concentration ofprotein in the dog food compositions of this invention is less thanabout 23% or less than about 20%, based on the dry weight of thecomposition. Relatedly, it has been recommended that at least 0.75% of atypical dog's diet comprise phosphorus. See, e.g., Small Animal ClinicalNutrition, 4th ed., p. 223 (2000). In general, the concentration ofphosphorus in the dog food compositions of this invention is less thanabout 0.75%, based on the dry weight of the composition. Theconcentration of phosphorus in the compositions of this invention mayalso be less than about 0.60%, based on the dry weight of thecomposition. The concentrations of phosphorus in the compositions ofthis invention may also be less than about 0.50%, based on the dryweight of the composition. The weight ratio of protein to phosphorus isabout 17:1 to about 110:1. The weight ratio of protein to antioxidantsis about 410:1 to about 70:1.

The antioxidants are present at concentrations that are not deleteriousto the intended animal's health. Thus, for example, the antioxidants arepresent at concentrations that do not cause undesirable toxic effects.Relatedly, while reduced, the protein and phosphorus are present in thecompositions of this invention at concentrations that are sufficient toprovide the intended animal sufficient dietary protein and phosphorus tomaintain the overall health of the animal.

The compositions of this invention are fed to an animal for a sufficientperiod of time to improve kidney function as exhibited through, forexample, a reduced serum nitrogen level and/or improved GFR.

Although both liquid and solid foods are contemplated, solid foods aremore typical. Where the food is solid, the antioxidants may be coated onthe food, incorporated into the food, or both. Contemplated foodsinclude both dry foods or wet foods. The other components of the foodand their proportions include those listed in Table 1. TABLE 1Proportion of the Composition Component (% of Dry Weight of Composition)Carbohydrate from about 0% to about 75%, or from (typically a nitrogen-about 10% to about 60% free or essentially nitrogen-free extract) Fatfrom about 2% to about 50%, or from about 5% to about 50%, or from about5% to about 40% Dietary fiber from about 0% to about 40%, or from about1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 5.5% Nutritional balancingagents from about 0% to about 15%, or from (e.g., vitamins, about 0% toabout 10%, or from about 2% minerals, and trace to about 8% elements)

In a contemplated embodiment, the composition is a food that comprisesthe following:

-   -   (a) at least about 25 mg/kg (or from about 25 to about 2,000        mg/kg, or about 40 to about 1500 mg/kg, or about 50 to about        1000 mg/kg, or about 75 to about 500 mg/kg, or about 100 to        about 200 mg/kg) vitamin C, based on the dry weight of the        composition;    -   (b) at least about 300 IU/kg (or from about 400 to about 1700        IU/kg, or about 500 to about 1400 IU/kg, or about 600 to about        1100 IU/kg, or about 700-800 IU/kg) vitamin E, based on the dry        weight of the composition;    -   (c) less than about 25% (or less than about 20%) protein, based        on the dry weight of the composition; and    -   (d) less than about 1.0% (or less than about 0.75%, or less than        about 0.60%) phosphorus, based on the dry weight of the        composition

In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the composition also may,for example, comprise at least one of the following:

-   -   (a) from about 0% to about 75% carbohydrate,    -   (b) from about 2% to about 50% fat,    -   (c) from about 0% to about 40% dietary fiber, and    -   (d) from about 0% to about 15% of one or more nutritional        balancing agents.

Specific amounts for each component in a composition will depend on avariety of factors including, for example, the species of animalconsuming the composition; the particular components included in thecomposition; the age, weight, general health, sex, and diet of theanimal; the animal's consumption rate; the type of compositioncondition(s) being treated; and the like. Thus, the component amountsmay vary widely, and may even deviate from the proportions set forth inthis patent.

It is contemplated that the protein in the compositions of the presentinvention may be supplied by a variety sources, including, plantsources, animals sources, or both. Animal sources include, for example,meat, meat by-products, dairy, eggs, etc. Meats include, for example,the flesh of poultry; fish; and mammals (e.g., cattle, swine, sheep,goats, and the like). Meat by-products include, for example, lungs,kidneys, brain, livers, and stomachs and intestines (it is best if theyare freed of essentially all or all their contents).

In some contemplated embodiments, the protein comprises meat, a meatby-product, a dairy product, or an egg product. In some suchembodiments, for example, the total concentration of meat(s), meatby-product(s), dairy product(s), and egg product(s) in the compositionis from about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or fromabout 10% to about 60%).

In some contemplated embodiments, the protein comprises meat or a meatby-product. In some such embodiments, for example, the totalconcentration of meat(s) and meat by-product(s) in the composition isfrom about 5% to about 70% (or from about 10% to about 70%, or fromabout 10% to about 60%).

The fat and carbohydrate in the compositions of the present inventionmay be supplied by a variety of sources, including, for example, meat,meat by-products, other animal or plant protein sources, grains, andmixtures thereof. Grains include, for example, wheat, corn, barley, andrice.

Fiber in the compositions of the present invention may be supplied froma variety of sources, including, for example, vegetable fiber sourcessuch as cellulose, beet pulp, peanut hulls, and soy fiber.

Particularly in instances when the composition is an animal's food,vitamins and minerals are included in amounts required to avoiddeficiency and maintain health. These amounts are readily available inthe art. The National Research Council (NRC), for example, providesrecommended amounts of such ingredients for farm animals. See, e.g.,Nutrient Requirements of Swine (10th Rev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press,Wash. D.C., 1998), Nutrient Requirements of Poultry (9th Rev. Ed., Nat'lAcademy Press, Wash. D.C., 1994), Nutrient Requirements of Horses (5thRev. Ed., Nat'l Academy Press, Wash. D.C., 1989), etc. And the AmericanFeed Control Officials (AAFCO), for example, provides recommendedamounts of such ingredients for dogs and cats. See American Feed ControlOfficials, Incorp., Official publication, pp. 126-140 (2003).Contemplated vitamins generally useful as food additives include, forexample, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12,vitamin D, vitamin H (biotin), vitamin K, folic acid, inositol, niacin,beta carotene and pantothenic acid. Contemplated minerals and traceelements generally useful as food additives include, for example,calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc,chloride, and iron salts.

The compositions of the present invention may further contain additivesknown in the art. Such additives are present in amounts that do notimpair the purpose and effect provided by the invention. Examples ofcontemplated additives include, for example, substances that arefunctionally beneficial to improving kidney function, substances with astabilizing effect, organoleptic substances, processing aids, substancesthat enhances palatability, coloring substances, and substances thatprovide nutritional benefits.

Contemplated stabilizing substances include, for example, substancesthat tend to increase the shelf life of the composition. Potentiallysuitable examples of such substances include, for example,preservatives, synergists and sequestrants, packaging gases,stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, and humectants.Examples of emulsifiers and/or thickening agents include, for example,gelatin, cellulose ethers, starch, starch esters, starch ethers, andmodified starches.

Contemplated additives for coloring, palatability, and nutritionalpurposes include, for example, colorants; iron oxide, sodium chloride,potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and other edible salts; vitamins;minerals; and flavoring. The amount of such additives in a compositiontypically is up to 5% (dry basis of the composition).

Supplements include, for example, a feed used with another feed toimprove the nutritive balance or performance of the total. Contemplatedsupplements include compositions that are fed undiluted as a supplementto other feeds, offered free choice with other parts of an animal'sration that are separately available, or diluted and mixed with ananimal's regular feed to produce a complete feed. The AAFCO, forexample, provides a discussion relating to supplements in the AmericanFeed Control Officials, Incorp. Official Publication, p. 220 (2003).Supplements may be in various forms including, for example, powders,liquids, syrups, pills, encapsulated compositions, etc.

Treats include, for example, compositions that are given to an animal toentice the animal to eat during a non-meal time. Contemplated treats forcanines include, for example, dog bones. Treats may be nutritional,wherein the composition comprises one or more nutrients, and may, forexample, have a composition as described above for food. Non-nutritionaltreats encompass any other treats that are non-toxic.

The antioxidants of this invention may be incorporated into thecomposition during the processing of the formulation, such as duringand/or after mixing of other components of the composition. Distributionof these components into the composition can be accomplished byconventional means.

Compositions of the present invention (particularly foods) can beprepared in a canned or wet form using conventional pet food processes.In one contemplated embodiment, ground animal (e.g., mammal, poultry,and/or fish) proteinaceous tissues are mixed with the other ingredients,including fish oils, cereal grains, other nutritionally balancingingredients, special purpose additives (e.g., vitamin and mineralmixtures, inorganic salts, cellulose and beet pulp, bulking agents, andthe like); and water that sufficient for processing is also added. Theseingredients are mixed in a vessel suitable for heating while blendingthe components. Heating of the mixture may be effected using anysuitable manner, such as, for example, by direct steam injection or byusing a vessel fitted with a heat exchanger. Following the addition ofthe last ingredient, the mixture is heated to a temperature range offrom about 50° F. to about 212° F. Temperatures outside this range areacceptable, but may be commercially impractical without use of otherprocessing aids. When heated to the appropriate temperature, thematerial will typically be in the form of a thick liquid. The thickliquid is filled into cans. A lid is applied, and the container ishermetically sealed. The sealed can is then placed into conventionalequipment designed to sterilize the contents. This is usuallyaccomplished by heating to temperatures of greater than about 230° F.for an appropriate time, which is dependent on, for example, thetemperature used and the composition.

Compositions of the present invention (particularly foods) can beprepared in a dry form using conventional processes. In one contemplatedembodiment, dry ingredients, including, for example, animal proteinsources, plant protein sources, grains, etc., are ground and mixedtogether. Moist or liquid ingredients, including fats, oils, animalprotein sources, water, etc., are then added to and mixed with the drymix. The mixture is then processed into kibbles or similar dry pieces.Kibble is often formed using an extrusion process in which the mixtureof dry and wet ingredients is subjected to mechanical work at a highpressure and temperature, and forced through small openings and cut offinto kibble by a rotating knife. The wet kibble is then dried andoptionally coated with one or more topical coatings which may include,for example, flavors, fats, oils, powders, and the like. Kibble also canbe made from the dough using a baking process, rather than extrusion,wherein the dough is placed into a mold before dry-heat processing.

Treats of the present invention can be prepared by, for example, anextrusion or baking process similar to those described above for dryfood.

EXAMPLE

The following example is merely illustrative, and not limiting to thisdisclosure in any way.

Example 1

Twenty four senior dogs were evaluated for initial GFR, weighed, andthen assigned to one of three foods. Approximately two weeks prior tothe study, all of the dogs were tested for microalbuminuria, had theirblood pressure measured, had their GFR estimated by serum iohexolclearance, and had a DEXA analysis completed.

The three foods used in the study were a first control food, a secondcontrol food, or a dry test food for one year. Control Food 1 wasmodeled after a nutrient composite of a typical dry dog food in theUnited States. Control Food 2 was similar to Control Food 1, butphosphorus and calcium were restricted and vitamins E and C wereenhanced. The Test Food was similar to Control Foods 1 and 2, butprotein, calcium and phosphorus were restricted and vitamins E and Cwere enhanced.

On Day 1 of the study, the animal subjects had blood drawn and then werefed the appropriate food. Initial weights were recorded and daily foodintake was recorded throughout the study. Animals were fed to maintainbody weight throughout the year long study.

On or about Day 120 of the study, all animals were vaccinated (allkilled vaccine) in a five way lepto vaccine. Approximately two weekslater, blood was drawn from the animals to ascertain vaccinationresponse. The animals were also vaccinated again to ascertain secondaryresponse.

After about six months of the study, GFR of the animals was estimated, aDEXA analysis was completed, blood pressure was taken and blood analysiswas undertaken. This same set of analyses was performed after about oneyear from the beginning of the study.

The ingredients in the control foods and test food are described inTable 2 below: TABLE 2 Compositions of Control and Test Foods % byWeight % by Weight % by Weight Ingredient Control Food 1 Control Food 2Test Food Corn 61.128 56.659 65.992 Chicken by-product meal 23.68 14.84313.70 Animal Fat 4.24 6.52 6.80 Soybean mill run 4.50 4.50 4.50 Flaxseed4.00 4.00 Corn gluten meal 1.00 9.60 1.00 Egg product 1.00 1.00 1.00Palatability enhancer 1.00 1.00 1.00 Potassium Chloride .38 .69 .67Choline Chloride .27 .27 .27 Glyceryl Monostearate .20 .20 .20 Calciumcarbonate .36 .10 .16 Salt (NaCl) .66 .12 .16 L-Tryptophan .05 .05Taurine .05 .05 Dicalcium Phosphate 1.45 .05 L-Lysine HCl .05 .05Micronutrient premix .132 .348 .348 Vitamins 0.01-0.2 0.01-0.2 Minerals0.01-0.2 0.01-0.2 Vitamin C 100 ppm 100 ppm Vitamin E 160 IU/Kg 750IU/Kg 750 IU/Kg Protein % 25.3 25.4 19.4 Phosphorus % 1.0 .55 .55

The results of this experiment are shown in FIG. 1 and in Table 3,below. As shown in FIG. 1, the dogs that were fed the Test Food showedan increase in GFR over the course of the one year of the test. The dogsthat were fed Control Food 1, without nutrient restriction andantioxidant enhancement, exhibited a slight increase in GFR, but asignificantly lower increase than the dogs that were fed the Test Food.Lastly, dogs that were fed Control Food 2, with phosphorus restrictionand enhanced antioxidants, exhibited an increase in GFR over the firstsix months of the study, but then a significant decrease in GFR over thelast six months of the study. And, as shown in Table 3, the dogsexhibited a positive correlation of concentration of creatinine andconcentration of serum urea nitrogen—as the concentration of creatininedecreased, so did the concentration of serum urea nitrogen. Similarly,the dogs exhibited a positive correlation of concentration of phosphorusand concentration of serum urea nitrogen. Conversely, the dogs exhibiteda negative correlation of concentration of serum urea nitrogen andGFR—as serum urea nitrogen decreased, GFR increased. TABLE 3 Change inConcentrations of Serum Urea Nitrogen Correlate to Specific BloodMetabolites and GFR Test Food Change in Serum Urea Nitrogen Change inConcentration of Creatinine 0.68 (P < 0.001) Change in Concentration ofPhosphorus 0.51 (P = 0.002) Change in GFR −0.40 (P = 0.015) 

All the references cited above are incorporated by reference into thispatent.

The words “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are to beinterpreted inclusively rather than exclusively.

The above detailed description is intended only to acquaint othersskilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practicalapplication so that others skilled in the art may adapt and apply theinvention in its numerous forms, as they may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. This invention, therefore, is notlimited to the above embodiments, and may be variously modified.

1. An animal food composition that improves kidney function in ananimal, wherein the composition comprises at least one antioxidant andhaving lower amounts of protein and phosphorus than the maximumtypically recommended for a healthy animal of the same species or bread.2. The animal food composition of claim 1, wherein the antioxidant isselected from the group comprising: vitamin C and vitamin E.
 3. Theanimal food composition of claim 2, wherein the composition comprisesabout 25 to about 2000 mg/kg vitamin C (based on dry weight of thecomposition).
 4. The animal food composition of claim 3, wherein thecomposition comprises about 300 to about 2000 IU/kg vitamin E (based ondry weight of the composition).
 5. The animal food composition of claim4, wherein the composition comprises about 14% to about 23% protein(based on dry weight of the composition).
 6. The animal food compositionof claim 5, wherein the composition comprises about 0.2% to about 0.75%phosphorus (based on dry weight of the composition).
 7. The animal foodcomposition of claim 1, wherein the animal is a dog or a cat.
 8. Amethod for improving kidney function in an animal, the method comprisingmaintaining the animal on a diet that comprises a food compositioncomprising at least one antioxidant and having lower amounts of proteinand phosphorus than the maximum typically recommended for a healthyanimal of the same species or breed; wherein the animal is maintained onsaid diet for a time period effective to improve kidney function.
 9. Themethod of improving the kidney function of an animal of claim 8, whereinthe antioxidant is selected from the group comprising vitamin C andvitamin E.
 10. The method of improving the kidney function of an animalof claim 8, wherein the composition comprises about 25 to about 2000mg/kg vitamin C (based on dry weight of the composition).
 11. The methodof improving the kidney function of an animal of claim 10, wherein thecomposition comprises about 300 to about 2000 IU/kg vitamin E (based ondry weight of the composition).
 12. The method of improving the kidneyfunction of an animal of claim 8, wherein the composition comprisesabout 300 to about 2000 IU/kg vitamin E (based on dry weight of thecomposition).
 13. The method of improving the kidney function of ananimal of claim 8, wherein the composition comprises about 14% to about23% protein (based on dry weight of the composition).
 14. The method ofimproving the kidney function of an animal of claim 13, wherein thecomposition comprises about 0.2% to about 0.75% phosphorus (based on dryweight of the composition).
 15. The method of improving the kidneyfunction of an animal of claim 11, wherein the composition comprisesabout 14% to about 23% protein (based on dry weight of the composition).16. The method of improving the kidney function of an animal of claim15, wherein the composition comprises about 0.2% to about 0.75%phosphorus (based on dry weight of the composition).
 17. The method ofimproving the kidney function of an animal of claim 8, wherein theweight ratio of the vitamin C to the vitamin E is from about 0.2:1 toabout 7:1.
 18. The method of improving the kidney function of an animalof claim 8, wherein the weight ratio of protein to phosphorus is fromabout 17:1 to about 110:1.
 19. The method of improving the kidneyfunction of an animal of claim 8, wherein the weight ration of proteinto antioxidants is from about 70:1 to about 410:1.
 20. The method ofimproving the kidney function of an animal of claim 8, wherein theanimal is a dog or a cat.